Ch 2: Perspectives on Conflict

Chapter preview:

• How worldviews (how ur taught the world works) influence our perceptions of conflict beliefs and behaviors

• Using metaphors to understand worldview (bc worldviews are difficult to articulate)

• Utilizing the Lens Model of Conflict to understand the role of perception

Background Systems in Worldviews

Background Systems: The way in which people you’ve grown up around or interacted with often have engaged in conflict

• the people in your life— how have they handled conflict?

Types of Background Systems

1. Avoidant Systems

2. Collaborative Systems

3. Aggressive/Coercive Systems

1. Avoidant Systems

• never recognized or addressed conflict

• ignored negative situations

• didn’t express feelings

2. Collaborative Systems

• Discussed issues and emotions

• Used direct communication

• Were always open

• Always respectful

3. Aggressive/Coercive Systems

• Was brutally honest

• Tried to “win”

• Would fight back

• Avoided looking weak

• Felt it was okay to hurt others

Negative worldviews of conflict:

1. Conflict is not normal— harmony is the answer

2. Conflict = people aren’t communicating right

3. conflict = disagreement

4. escalation = bad

5. conflict = anger

Positive worldviews of conflict

1. Conflict is inevitable, so it should be dealt with constructively

2. Conflict helps people talk about their issues openly and honestly

3. Conflict brings ppl together

4. Conflict discusses goals

5. Conflict can help us understand one another

What are some metaphors for a negative worldview of conflict?

• “The outcome of conflict is predetermined and cannot be constructive.”

• “Conflict is violent, bullying, and explosive”

What are some metaphors for a positive worldview of conflict?

• “Conflict is a tide”

• “Conflict is a garden”